After Graduation

“I can imagine no more rewarding career. And any many who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think he can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: I served in the United States Navy.” – John F. Kennedy, 1 August 1963, in Bancroft Hall at the U.S. Naval Academy

Navy Option – Communities

What is Surface Warfare?

Surface Warfare is the “traditional” community within the Navy that employs surface ships for the missions of forward naval presence, sea control, and projection of power ashore. Surface Warfare Officers (or SWOs, pronounced “swohs”) are the men and women who, as junior officers who are recent college graduates, lead the Sailors within the many specialized divisions of a ship’s crew. Surface Warfare Officers are Navy Officers whose training and primary duties focus on the operation of Navy ships at sea and the management of various shipboard systems. The pinnacle of a SWO’s career is command of a Navy surface ship.

What is Naval Aviation?

Naval Aviation is renowned for the demands it places on its flyers. The skills and concentration required to land a high-performance jet on board an aircraft carrier deck pitching in the black of night, or to track a submarine while flying at only a few feet above stormy seas, are not only linked to a solid academic background of to top physical conditioning. There is more to it than that; it requires a combination of talents and dedication that many people possess, but few are challenged to use to full measure.

What is a Naval Flight Officer?

Naval Flight Officers (NFO’s) are the men and women who operate the advance systems onboard naval aircraft, and some may also act as the overall tactical coordinators of multiple air assets during a mission. They differ from Naval Aviators in that they do not pilot the aircraft in which they serve. This division of labor between Aviators and NFO’s allows for each to concentrate more closely on mission tasks that require specific occupational training. NFO’s are integral members of the Naval Aviation community and are just as competitive as Naval Aviators for command of aircraft squadrons, air wings, and even aircraft carriers.

What is Submarine Warfare?

Midshipmen who select Submarine Warfare can look forward to a challenging career as a member of an elite, technically advanced, multi-mission community. Newly commissioned Ensigns will find themselves serving on board the most capable submarines in the world today. Upon commissioning every Ensign selected for Submarine Warfare will attend one year of advanced nuclear power training, starting with six months of classroom training at Nuclear Power School (NPS) in Charleston, S.C.

What is an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer?

The newly commissioned officer from the NROTC program will complete the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)/Diver course at Naval Diving and Salvage Center, Panama City, FL and progress directly to EOD training at Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal (NAVSCOLEOD), Eglin AFB. Graduates will then be assigned as Division Officers at EOD Mobile Units where they will be immersed in the community’s core warfighting competencies of EOD, Anti terrorism/ Force Protection (AT/FP), Expeditionary Diving and Salvage and Underwater Mine Countermeasures.

What is Naval Special Warfare?

As a Naval Special Warfare qualified unrestricted line officer, you will lead and command NSW forces at all levels of rank. A SEAL officer becomes an expert at conducting special operations in complex, politically sensitive, and dangerous environments. SEAL officers will be required to fill critical leadership positions, and must epitomize the SEAL Ethos (http://www.sealswcc.com/). During his career, a SEAL Officer typically deploys at least once per pay grade and is likely to be stationed overseas at least once.